Strength from Jesus

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then, the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him?” Mark 4:35-41

Every day I wake up and look east out of my large picture window. I see the sun wake up and rise above the window. It pleases me to know that Jesus is in control of giving us the sun, the clouds, the rain, the snow and whatever the weather is that day. He is consistent and has provided the sun for almost 80 years (I turn 80 this August), even when the clouds prevent me from seeing it.

Jon Sloan, a former pastor of mine, says in his devotion written in 2013, “When we face our storms in life, where do we place our faith? If we place it on God and Jesus Christ, there is nothing to fear, we will be taken care of. If we place it on ourselves or on anything other than God, then yes, there is plenty to fear. Only God has the power to calm storms and to halt winds. And if God is for us, then who can be against us?" That is how I can see the idea of being afraid and fear being likened to having no faith. 

When I was left alone in my new house, I was afraid. We had built it to be together on the golf course. I turned to God in prayer, sometimes for half or more of a full day. Sometimes I would tell Jesus how I felt, sometimes I would cry, sometimes I would be angry. God and Jesus were there for me.

Before long I was asked to help with the Women’s Tennis Team at Wesleyan University. I had only taught tennis to children, refereed at tournaments for all ages, and played in tournaments myself. I had never taught adult college kids or coached any teams. I believed God would be with me, so I said “Yes” and found a career I loved. Secondly, Tom Tipton who had asked me to help him, retired, and the Athletic Director asked me to coach the Men’s Tennis Team at Wesleyan too. I had never coached adult men! What should I do? Have faith, like Jesus said to have. He is with me. I accepted and ended up taking both teams to the Nationals for NAIA Conferences. The experience at Wesleyan, the people I met and coached, blessed me so much.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, and your son Jesus, for giving me strength when I needed it. Thank you for listening to my prayers and helping me. You continue to give me strength and answer my prayers. Please be with my grandchildren as they experience trials and fears. Show them that you are with them no matter what they experience in life. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck